A quick 45-minute flight from Oahu drops you on the Big Island, right in the heart of Hawaii’s volcanic wonderland. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to massive Mauna Loa and super-active Kīlauea – places where the earth literally creates new land. This full-day tour puts you in the middle of it all with a scenic ride past dormant volcanoes, black lava beds, hissing steam vents and dramatic craters. Your guide shares legends of Pele, the fiery Hawaiian goddess said to live in Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater, while explaining exactly how volcanoes form and why this island keeps growing. Along the way you’ll see scenery only Hawaii has – lush rainforests giving way to raw lava fields. Round-trip flights, park entry and an expert guide included – the perfect way to feel the Big Island’s living power without planning a thing.
The smoldering caldera of Kilauea and the emerald canopies of Rainbow Falls serve as the stage for this 10.5-hour high-impact inter-island expedition.
Operated by Roberts Hawaii, this journey transitions from the bustling streets of Waikiki to the raw, volcanic heart of the Big Island via a 45-minute flight. You move from the legends of Pele at the Halemaumau Crater to the jet-black shorelines of Punalu’u, experiencing an environment where dormant lava beds and active steam vents define the landscape.
Because this Tuesdays & Thursdays only tour includes round-trip airfare and hotel transfers, you should secure your One-Day Hilo tour early to ensure a seamless 2026 transition between Oʻahu and the Big Island.
Expect a fast-paced, educational, and awe-inspiring immersion into the world's most active volcanic environment. The transition from Oʻahu’s beaches to the rugged lava surfaces of the Big Island requires walking shoes and a light jacket for the cooler summit elevations. The environment is one of "safety first," with modifications made daily for weather and National Park advisories. Note that this tour is not recommended for pregnant women, infants, or travelers with heart or respiratory issues due to potentially hazardous volcanic fumes.
You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (or passport for international guests); our agency finds that travelers who prepare their documentation 24 hours in advance avoid the vertical stress of being denied boarding at the TSA checkpoint.
Pre-order your meal at Punalu’u Bake Shop early in the day; the vertical variety of their sweetbreads and pastries is a local favorite, and pre-ordering ensures you have more time to explore the beach.
Apply your sunscreen before boarding the vehicle; our clients, travelers, and our agency suggest that following the TSA liquid rules strictly helps maintain a seamless transition through the airport and onto the tour.
Arrival times for the inter-island flights can vary; stay close to your guide during the Hilo stops to ensure you maximize your vertical window at the lava tubes before the return flight to Honolulu.
The lighting and volcanic visibility change vertically throughout the 2026 season.
We offer round-trip transfers from most Waikiki hotels.
No, but you can purchase lunch and snacks at the Punalu’u Bake Shop.
Yes, the tour includes round-trip airfare between Oahu and the Big Island.
Yes, ADA vehicles are available with a minimum of 48 hours' notice.
Sighting of active lava flows is not guaranteed and depends on environmental conditions.
Book it today with Hilo Tours or simply following this link.
